Charles Bronson
Charles Bronson Biography
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Charles Dennis Bronson was born on March 3, 1921, in Ehrenfeld, Pennsylvania. He is commonly known by his stage name, "The Man of a Thousand Faces."
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: March 3, 1921
Died: August 30, 2003
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: American
Profession: Actor, Director, Producer
Early Life and Background
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Charles Bronson was the youngest of three children to Walter and Marie (née Vogelsang) Bronson. His family moved frequently during his childhood due to his father's work as a coal miner. Bronson's early life was marked by hardship and poverty, but he found solace in acting at an early age.
Major Accomplishments
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Bronson began his career in show business as a radio actor in the 1940s. He transitioned to film in the 1950s, quickly establishing himself as a talented supporting actor. His breakthrough role came in 1964 with "The Magnificent Seven," followed by the iconic "Once Upon a Time in the West" (1968). Bronson's distinctive voice and rugged on-screen presence made him a household name.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Bronson's most notable works include:
"Hard Times" (1975)
"Death Wish" (1974) - a film that capitalized on his tough-guy image and became a box office hit.
* "The Great Escape" (1963)
Impact and Legacy
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Charles Bronson's impact on cinema is undeniable. He embodied the spirit of rugged individualism, inspiring countless fans around the world with his unyielding performances. His influence can be seen in many modern action heroes.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Bronson's quotes are often used to describe his tough-guy image:
> "You can't have too much of a good thing."
>
> "I'm not a hero, I just like to help people."
His legacy extends beyond film, as he became an iconic symbol of masculinity and resilience. His life and work continue to inspire new generations of actors, filmmakers, and fans.
Charles Bronson's remarkable story serves as a testament to his unyielding spirit and dedication to his craft. Through his performances on screen, he has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, cementing his place in history as one of Hollywood's most beloved legends.
Quotes by Charles Bronson
In Ehrenfeld, we were all jammed together. All the fathers were foreign-born - Welsh, Irish, Polish, Sicilian. We were so jammed together, we picked up each other's accents. And we spoke some broken English. When I got into the service, people used to think I was from a foreign country.
I'm entertained more by my own thoughts than by the thoughts of others. I don't mind answering questions. But in an exchange of conversation, I wind up being a pair of ears.
When I was a kid, I was always drawing things. I'd get butcher paper or grocery bags and draw on them.
Times were poor. I wore hand-me-downs. And because the kids just older than me in the family were girls, sometimes I had to wear my sisters' hand-me-downs.
I hung around New York and did a little stock-company stuff. I wasn't really sure at that time if I even wanted to be an actor. I got no encouragement.
I tell you this: if I was in the house with those people in the Bergman flicks, I'd walk right out, much less pay $5 to see them.
I can play the character better because of the roundness of my experience - because of the things I've been through. All those method guys - like that De Niro, Stallone, and what's his name, Pacino - they're all the same.
The critics never see my role as it is - as a man protecting his garden killing poisonous snakes. Instead, they say it's just me again committing violence.
I supply a presence. There are never any long dialogue scenes to establish a character.